Dr. Ambedkar's Thoughts on Indian Democracy

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar accepted democracy not only as a system of governance but also as a way of life. Through which he could bring about socio-economic and political change in the society through peaceful means. He accepted equality, freedom and fraternity as the basic basis of democracy. Everyone knows that no discrimination can be made in society on the basis of caste, creed, religion, wealth, region, language. Dr. Ambedkar believed that in reality, democracy does not only mean that the people control the elected representatives. In the true sense, democracy is called that in which the participation of all the people of the society is ensured in those who govern. Dr. Ambedkar emphasized two things in the democratic system of governance to achieve social and economic justice in the society. One is that democracy should be formed by law and the other is that in a democracy, no person or institution should govern according to their own will and should operate according to the legal provisions. No person is considered a criminal until the judiciary declares him guilty. The law should be applied equally to all people and everyone should also get equal protection under the law. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar also had faith in democracy like other national leaders. Authoritarian empires, colonialism may bring quick decisions and may be effective in maintaining discipline, but they cannot be anyone's choice as an effective and lasting form of government. Democracy is a very influential system because it strengthens freedom. There is public control over those in power. Among the various forms of democracy, Ambedkar's choice was parliamentary democracy. So he had similar views on this with other national leaders.